Commercial Red Meat Production Down Slightly From Last Year

Farm Journal logo

Released March 20, 2014, by the National Agricultural Statistics service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.65 billion pounds in February, down 1 percent from the 3.67 billion pounds produced in February 2013.

Beef production, at 1.79 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, down 5 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,330 pounds.

Veal production totaled 8.2 million pounds, 9 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 52,200 head, down 12 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from last year, at 267 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.84 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.67 million head, up 1 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.6 million pounds, was up 1 percent from February 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,200 head, 4 percent above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down 4 pounds from February a year ago.

January to February 2014 commercial red meat production was 7.9 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.

February 2013 contained 20 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
February 2014 contained 20 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

Click here to read the full report.

Get the latest livestock markets news at Dairy Today's Dairy Markets Center and Beef Today's Cattle Markets Center.

 

Latest News

Dairy Finances: Being Prepared For Tough Times Has Big Payback
Dairy Finances: Being Prepared For Tough Times Has Big Payback

If there’s any assurance about the economic picture for the dairy industry and agriculture in general going forward in the next few years, it’s that volatility will be a constant.

Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?
Who “Nose” When a Calf is Getting Sick?

If you want to stay ahead of calf health and catch sickness in its earliest stage, University of Minnesota Graduate Student Abbigail Prins offers a handy detection tip.

How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team
How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team

“The single most important tool to predict peak performance is a very well-developed job description,” Dave Mitchell says.

Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs
Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs

Mark Faust outlines a simple formula to improve profitability and create more value for you and the customer.

Robotic Technology Helps These Dairies Become Better
Robotic Technology Helps These Dairies Become Better

Smart farming robotic technology is all in the name of cow comfort, efficiency and productivity. 

Milk Prices Continue to Fizzle Out
Milk Prices Continue to Fizzle Out

A wild week in milk markets finished on a fizzle.